CAC-40:2587.13 (+33.41)

French shares closed with a gain of more than 1 per cent, but off, the day's best levels. Traders said prices retreated in the late afternoon as the Dow softened and the dollar consolidated some of its gains. Volume was light in anticipation of the US Federal Reserve meeting next week, which seems likely to raise interest rates.

DAX 3,288.52 (+41.49)

German shares rose forcefully, in the morning but fell back in afternoon dealing as traders, unsettled by a lower dollar, took, profits before the weekend.

Mibtel:11,795 (+64)

Italian shares ended the firmer, helped by the higher moves on other European exchanges. Traders said the latest inflation indicators.